FFA announces changes to Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League kick-off times due to temperature

Due to the forecast high ambient temperature and Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WGBT) in Newcastle this Sunday, Football Federation Australia (FFA) has today made the proactive decision to postpone the Round 9 Westfield W-League match between the Newcastle Jets and Adelaide United and also delay the kick-off of the Round 10 Hyundai A-League match between the Newcastle Jets and Adelaide United in line with the FFA Heat Policy.

The FFA Heat Policy states that drinks breaks should be implemented if the WBGT is between 26 and 27.9 with consideration to delay and postponement if it exceeds 28.

The WBGT is predicted to be in excess of 28 at the 4pm on Sunday at McDonald Jones Stadium. As a result the decision was to postpone the Westfield W-League match between the Newcastle Jets and Adelaide United to 9:30am the following day (Monday 31 December 2018) where the WBGT is expected to be between 24-26 for the duration of the match.

The Hyundai A-League match between the Newcastle Jets and Adelaide United will now kick off at 7.30pm at McDonald Jones Stadium (Newcastle) to ensure player safety was adhered to under the FFA Heat Policy.

FFA Head of Leagues Greg O’Rourke said that the proactive decision was made with player, match official and fan welfare in mind.
“Based on the weather information, we believe that it was the interests of all stakeholders that these decisions to postpone and delay kick-offs for the respective Westfield W-League and Hyundai A-League matches between the Newcastle Jets and Adelaide United was made today,” said Head of the Hyundai A-League Greg O’Rourke.

“Taking into consideration the obvious player and match official welfare concerns, moving the Westfield W-League match to Monday morning was the best solution based on the congested match schedule over the next 4 weeks.

“We have made this decision in collaboration with both clubs, as well as our broadcast partners FOX SPORTS and SBS who have welcomed the decision.

“The Westfield W-League match will now be streamed on www.foxsports.com.au and also on My Football Live,” concluded O’Rourke.

All other Hyundai A-League matches and the Westfield W-League are scheduled to go ahead as per the fixture.